Jewish Scene Magazine June 2007

JUNE 2007
In This Issue: The Ar t of Jewish Living • The Funniest Jew in the Deep South
Mitzvah Day at Temple Israel, Memphis
Mother Bear Project in support of children in
Africa affected with HIV/AIDS
Board members Jonathan Frisch and
Mike Weiss stirring spaghetti, which
provided 864 meals for a variety of
agencies
SCRAPBOOK
Alvin and Becky Labins and Courtney Bressack making
sandwiches for Plough Towers Tea
Volunteers Meryl Rosen
and Jane Eckstein
Doll project for LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
Volunteers Brian Shainberg
and Chuck Lucas
Ann Wilson, Sharon Berman, Sandra
Wurzburg making blankets for
Sarah’s Place
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
1
Contents
4
HOME & GARDEN
30
EYE ON ARKANSAS
Editor/Publisher
8
HISTORICAL MARKER
32
AGENCY/ADVERTISER
LISTING
Art Director
BESHERT
33
COMING ATTRACTIONS
David Miller
12
SENIOR LIVING
SCRAPBOOKS
15
TEEN TALK
1
Temple Israel
16
ON CAMPUS
13
Plough Towers/Memphis
Jewish Home
18
SOUTHERN
JEWISH HISTORY
14
Beth Sholom
20
FROM THE KITCHEN
19
Jewish Foundation of
Memphis
21
L’CHAYIM
27
22
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
Memphis Jewish
High School
10
11
TRAVEL
24
DOLLARS & SENSE
26
ON THE SIDELINES
28
WATCH OUT: IN THE
MEDIA
20
Mollie Baker
Art Assistant
Editorial Contributors
29
Bornblum Solomon
Schechter School
31
MHA/FYOS
ASBEE
Baron Hirsch
Dana Agronov
Bob Bernstein
Regina Bryant
Gary Burhop
Anne Butler
Shep Fargotstein
Seth Feibelman
Chris Arpe Gang
Mark Hayden
Jennifer Lefkowitz
Debbie Ovadia
Harry Samuels
Shoshana Yaffe
Account Executives
Bob Drake
Bari Eiseman
Marie Fischer
Larry Nieman
Chief Financial Officer
Don Heitner
ON THE COVER: The home of Sally &
Jeff Rosenberg. Photos: Susan Nieman
21
4
Susan C. Nieman
Business Manager
Alice Drake
Volume 1, Number 10
June 2007
Sivan/Tammuz 5767
Jewish Living of the South magazine must give
permission for any material contained herein to be
copied or reproduced in any manner. Manuscripts
and photographs submitted for publication are
welcome by Jewish Living of the South, but no
responsibility can be taken for them while in transit
or in the office of the publication. Editorial content
does not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion,
nor can the publisher be responsible for errors. The
publication of any advertisement in this issue does
not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s
product or services by this publication.
Jewish Living of the South is published monthly by
Jewish Living of the South, Inc. and mailed free to
Jewish households in Memphis; Little Rock, AR;
and Jackson, MS; and to others across the country.
Copies of Jewish Living are available at Borders,
Davis-Kidd Book Sellers and several libraries and
other locations across the Mid-South.
Jewish Living of the South
1703 Tamhaven Court
Cordova, TN 38016
phone: 901.827.7244
fax: 901.754.7822
jewishliving@comcast.net
www.jewishlivingofthesouth.com
2
Jewish Living of the South
I June 2007
From the
FROM THE EDITOR
EDITOR
Dear Readers,
I have had so many positive calls and comments
about our May issue and the Jewish Key West
article that I can’t wait to get started on the
next travel articles about Jewish Hot Springs
and other areas throughout the South. If you
have suggestions for places of interest, please
send them my way!
You will notice some subtle design and
column changes throughout Jewish Living of
the South. If you have young children at home
you may want to try Seth Feibelman’s creative
Father’s Day treat in From the Kitchen of…
And this month, now that school is out for
the summer, we actually have photos from the
University of Texas at Austin, where Brad and
Scott Eiseman planned and hosted their own
Passover Seder. As always, I look forward to
your comments and constructive criticism. I
am always looking for new column ideas.
On another note; while we are still in the
process of reaching periodic status, the
post office has recently increased the postal
rates. This will affect the cost of mailing
the magazine each month. Readers living in
Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, and
members of participating synagogues or
organizations outside of this area will still
receive the magazine free each month. If you
live outside this geographic area, we ask that
you please send a check for $18 a year to cover
the cost of mailing.
If you are receiving this magazine with a name
other than your own at your present address,
please e-mail jewishliving@comcast.net or call
901.754.3126 with correct information.
Thank you and Happy Father’s Day!
Shalom
Susan C. Nieman
Corrections & Omissions: In the May 2007 issue
we apologize for omitting Conroy Studio photo credit
for the Home & Garden article at the home of Debra
and Cary Califf. Also omitted in that article was
the mention of Kitchen Solutions, whose designer
Abbey Allman, CKD was insttrumental in designing
the Califf’s kitchen.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
3
HOME & GARDEN
Jeff and Sally Rosenberg’s home reflects
Jewish Living
The Art of
By Chris Arpe Gang
Photos by Susan Nieman
When Sally and Jeff Rosenberg moved into a contempo-
rary home eight years ago, they set about infusing it with
light, color and Jewish art.
“I love the openness of the house
and the walls of glass that bring the
outside in,” said Sally, a foreign language teacher at St. Mary’s Episcopal
School.
With the help of Jill Hertz, an interior designer, the couple tackled the
downstairs rooms one by one.
First came “the pit,” a sunken room
with a built-in sofa forming a U with
the fireplace as the focal point.
The cozy spot is where the family
gathers during the winter months
and where Sally holds monthly
Rosh Chodesh Pirkei Ima-ot (wisdom of the mothers) celebrations
with a small group of women from
Temple Israel.
Sally loves vibrant colors so much that sometimes Hertz
steers her to slightly more sedate choices.
Jeff, who is an investment broker,
is not always sure about their colors
schemes. He couldn’t picture how
the muted orange walls in the den
would look butting up against the
chartreuse walls in the bar until they
were done.
“Jill and I spend a lot of time cooling Jeff down on the colors,” Sally
said.
Tarkay hanging in “The Pit”
When Sally and Jill selected a chartreuse paisley pattern on teal wallpaper for the ceiling in the new master
bedroom, he balked until they promised to take it down if he didn’t like it.
Jeff, who was home when the paisley
wallpaper went up, quickly called Sally to tell her how fantastic it looked.
“Sally likes a fun, exciting, contemporary look,” Hertz said. “It’s great
working with her because she’s open
to using new materials and different
textures.”
The spacious living room-dining
room reflects Sally’s goal of “mixing
things up” with contemporary sofas
and chairs covered in a butter yellow Peace Wings hangs in the den
fabric juxtaposed with an antique buffet and traditional dining room table and chairs (see cover).
The master bedroom and bath, their most recent project is
inspired by a recent family trip to Israel.
A baby grand piano, a gift from Jeff’s parents Sy and Barb
Rosenberg, commands the center of attention.
“My idea was to create a contemporary Moroccan room with
a Jewish feel,” Sally said.
Beyond that space is a bar and beyond that, the den where
Before the decorating could begin, several architectural
the family hangs out when a fire is farthest thing from their
changes were made. The couple spent four months sleeping
minds.
4
Jewish Living of the South
I June 2007
HOME & GARDEN
next to the pool table in their game room during the construction.
The room was way too dark for Sally so
they had their contractor install a large
window on the wall behind the bed and
another in the adjoining office.
The master bath was enlarged by reconfiguring a small room that was an office
and pushing out the walls a few feet in
certain areas.
The new shower enclosure, an important feature for Jeff, is outfitted with
Kohler’s new shower tiles that allow
the bather to custom-program six water
ports on the walls and ceilings.
“It’s like rain in here,” Sally said. “But
I’m a bath person.”
Her tub, positioned next to a window partially covered by
the branches of a maple tree, is surrounded with small
metallic tiles in gold, teal and aqua.
Basins of pebbly pink glass sit on top of vanity cabinets
topped with pink Italian marble.
She and Jeff have separate walk-in closets with convenient built-in drawers,
shelves and cabinets.
The floors in both rooms are covered in
dark and light brown Jerusalem stones
cut into rectangles of varying sizes.
“I knew I had to have Jerusalem stones
but I wanted the darker ones,” Sally
said.
Into the grout between the stones in
front of her bathtub, Sally had the contractor insert small pebbles collected
from historic sites in Israel.
“It’s like stepping back into Israel every
time I get out of the tub,” Sally said.
The bathroom ceiling is painted orange and the walls are
covered in a vibrant yellow wallpaper featuring birds,
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
5
HOME & GARDEN (continued from page 5)
butterflies and flowers in oranges,
greens and blues. The bedroom, which
is a teal cocoon, is almost too sedate
for Sally.
“I needed some excitement in the
bathroom,” she said.
Jill designed the draperies and cornices in the bedroom using Moroccan
shapes accented with exotic tassels.
The bed is dressed with a quilted coverlet in solid teal accented with pillows
and a throw in textured fabrics and
colorful prints.
Lamps with irregularly stacked amber
glass ovals – Sally calls them amoebas
– rest on mirrored night stands flanking the bed.
Next to them are two vertical paintings
by artist Carol Buchman, Sally’s friend.
They depict feminine figures enclosed
in pillars of smoke and fire, representing the pillars of smoke and fire that
guided the Israelites in the desert.
Carol Buchman paintings flank the master bed
A curvy contemporary sofa covered in
white faux suede is easily cleaned with
a spritz of 409 and a sponge.
Sally loves the low seat and high back
of an adjacent chair, which is covered
in tufted mocha fabric.
“I feel like it’s a queen’s chair,” she
said.
On a wall near the sitting area is one of
the two pieces of art Sally and Jeff purchased on their trip to Israel: A Ben
Avram oil painting of the 12 tribes.
Sally’s considerable library of Jewish
books is housed in an antique cabinet.
Its dark wood and carved elements
compliment the Moroccan décor.
The other piece of art purchased in
Israel hangs in the foyer. It’s a three-dimensional work in cut paper depicting
Jewish festivals by Ketti Camus.
Other works either with Jewish themes
or by Jewish artists are: Peace Wings
Joseph’s Coat
Abstract by Kathleen McElroy
Ben Avramoil oil above
Sally’s ‘queen’s chair’
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Jewish Living of the South
I June 2007
HOME & GARDEN
by Calman Shemi; two serigraphs of women by Itzchak Tarkay;
and a graphic depiction of the story of Joseph told in a graphic
design on his coat.
Sally also loves two abstract paintings and two figurative paintings by Kathleen McElroy, a friend who teaches art at St.
Mary’s.
This summer Sally will embark on another decorating project.
Kayla’s movie-themed bedroom
As a bar mitzvah gift to her son Sam, she will be redecorating his room using a sports theme with some help from her
mother, Barbara Mansberg.
Daughter Kayla, who had her bat mitzvah three years ago, has
a movie theme.
“They tell me their ideas and then when they get home from
camp, they get to see what I’ve done,” she said.
The inviting home with its spacious rooms, pool and patio is
a frequent gathering place for family members and friends of
Sally and Jeff and their children.
Every fall they entertain in their sukkah and typically have more
than 40 people to their themed seders featuring costumes and
special songs.“I love coming home each day to such a bright
and cheerful environment,” Jeff said. “I’m a grateful man.”
Each time Sally enters her home she consciously touches the
mezzuzah.
“I always remember the first three words inside, ‘you shall
love,’” she said. “Filling my house with the warmth, light and
color of a Jewish life helps me to do just that.”
Chris Arpe Gang was a feature writer at The Commercial Appeal
for 33 years. Retired from full-time work, she is now a freelance
writer. Her weekly gardening column, Green Thumb, appears Fridays in The Commercial Appeal and she has recently created a
Web site, midsouthgardens.com, a comprehensive source of information for area gardeners. She and her husband, Gregory, daughter, Madelyn, dog and cat live in Germantown.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
7
FEATURE
Temple Receives
Historical Marker
“On March 2, 1854, seven years before the start of the Civil War,
thirty-six German Jewish immigrants and their families banded together in Memphis to form Congregation Children of Israel, the city’s first
synagogue. Today, Children of Israel – now known as Temple Israel
– is the largest Jewish congregation in Tennessee and one of the largest
Reform congregations in the United States.”
Judy Ringel, “Children of Israel”
On the morning of March 2, 2007, the 103rd anniversary of
its charter date, a historic marker was dedicated in downtown
Memphis officially recognizing Temple Israel as the first Jewish
house of worship in Tennessee. The location of the marker is
where Temple’s first synagogue was located, on the southeast
corner of Main and Exchange Streets, directly across from the
Cook Convention Center and where the Federal Reserve Bank
presently stands.
Lee Millar, Chairman of the Shelby County Historical Commission, welcomed the Temple members and leaders, as well
as community friends, who were present. Jerry Klinger from
Washington, D.C., President of the Jewish American Society for
Historic Preservation; Temple Israel’s Rabbi Micah Greenstein
and guest speaker Congressman
Steve Cohen offered remarks.
The book: Children of Israel, The
Story of Temple Israel, Memphis,
Tennessee: 1854 – 2004 by Judy
G. Ringel (available for purchase
in the Temple Israel Judaica Shop)
Judy Ringel, author of the congregational history, Children
of Israel, and Temple archivist
Margie Kerstine helped Rabbi
Greenstein and Jerry Klinger
make this occasion happen. Senior Vice-President Billy Orgel
and local authorities facilitated
the process.
“There are certain moments
when it hits you just how supremely special and significant
an occasion is, and this ceremony
was one of them,” said Rabbi Greenstein. “There we all were,
standing on the same site on the same day, 153 years later, consecrating a marker for thousands to see as they pass by the Convention Center on Main Street. When you see this impressive
and prominent marker and read it, you take pride in Temple and
being Jewish, and you realize just how important Jews have been
to the fabric of our community, state, and nation.”
8
Jewish Living of the South
I June 2007
FEATURE
Rabbi Micah Greenstein; Margie Kerstine,
Temple Archivist; Lee Millar, Chairman of
the Shelby County Historical Commission; Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell;
Jerry Klinger, Jewish American Society
for Historic Preservation; Martha Perine
Beard, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis,
Memphis Branch; U. S. Representative
Steve Cohen; Jeff Sanford, President of
the Center City; Cantor John Kaplan;
Temple Senior Vice-President Billie Orgel
Unveiling of the Historical Marker
U.S. Representative Steve Cohen
The marker reads:
CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL (CHILDREN OF ISRAEL)
First Permanent Jewish House of Worship in Tennessee Jews have been
part of Tennessee’s economic, social and political life since the early 19th
century. Congregation Children of Israel, charted by the State of Tennessee, March 2, 1854, rented and eventually purchased a building near this
site at Main and Exchange Streets. Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, the founder
of American Reform Judaism, dedicated the new synagogue, March 26,
1858. Growing rapidly, the congregation moved to larger accommodations on Poplar Avenue in 1884. It moved again to the corner of Poplar
and Montgomery in 1915, and to East Massey in 1976. Congregation Children of Israel became known as Temple Israel in 1943. The establishment
of Congregation Children of Israel in Tennessee affirmed the American
principles of freedom of religion and assembly.
Erected by the Shelby County Historical Commission, the Jewish
American Society for Historic Preservation and Temple Israel
Downtown marker location at Main and Exchange Streets
Photos provided by Temple Israel
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
9
TRAVEL: Sponsored Section
CANADA
New attractions are on the rise in Canada. Niagara Falls has a
gigantic new casino, a free-fall interactive centre and a 5,000seat outdoor amphitheatre. In 2007, Toronto’s futuristic new
airport will open its largest pier, Pier F., and British Columbia
will host the 2010 winter Olympics.
With a land mass of about 3.9 million square miles, Canada is
the world’s second-largest country. However getting around is
no problem. The Trans-Canada Highway, the longest national
highway in the world connects St. John’s new-found land on
the Atlantic to Victoria, British Columbia on the Pacific.
Western Canada – From the spectacular Canadian Rockies
British Columbia to the many small islands off the coast including Victoria, where time seems to stand still – nature lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy.
Alberta boasts the world’s largest Calgary Stampede, (with
cowboys and saloons) and for the family, the world’s largest
mall, the West Edmonton Mall.
On the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Calgary to Vancouver,
I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. This
is a short journey, only two days; although you can extend your
trip to cover the Ice Fields and Jasper. I was able to see up-close
and personal many
wild animals such as
bear, moose, birds,
etc. In Kamloops, I
actually saw a moose
crossing the street at
a red light!
The Prairies – Among
the first “tourists” in
Saskatchewan were
the outlaw’s Butch Cassidy and Sam Kelly. Manitoba is home
to the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” where you can observe these magnificent creatures in the wild.
Ontario – Quaint old villages, explorations of ghostly haunts
and themed heritage tours await you. Theater, art, glitzy worldclass cities, lakes and long stretches of beaches along the Great
Lakes make for a very romantic getaway.
Quebec – Historians can step back into the 17th century in
Old Montreal and Quebec City. There is golfing, skiing, antique shopping or simply watch bikers or people stroll by.
Atlantic Canada – In the land of lobsters, lighthouses and foghorns, life revolves around the sea. New Brunswick’s famous tides
beckon kayakers and whale watchers. Prince Edward Island’s
ginger-bread trimmed Victorian homes, potato patches, village
fairs and 45 sun-drenched beaches are all calling your name.
Newfoundland and Labrador are known for icebergs, seabirds
and whales. You can stand at Cape Spear, North America’s
most easterly point and tour L’Anse aux Meadows where the
Vikings landed 1000 years ago.
The North – Dog-sledding across the Tundra, white-water
kayaking and eco tours are only some of the adventures you
can enjoy.
Canada’s wide range of offerings, from yesterday to today
and tomorrow, ensure that it remains a perennial destination
where visitors can have the time of their lives.
Prices for a family of four with air and hotel for five nights begin at $750 per person. Summer is a great time to get away from
our sweltering Southern heat to see the wondrous Canada.
Passports are required.
Regina Bryant has been in the travel industry for 15 years. She
specializes in international vacation planning throughout the
world and group travel. She has traveled extensively, and would
love to help you plan the perfect vacation. She may be reached
at Carlson Wagonlit Travel 901.761.1708.
10 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
BESHERT : True Stories of Connection
A Monthly Selection from the book written by Harry Samuels
“Of course,” replied Hal, “we are from Memphis, Tennessee,
which is in the United States, and we trust people there. My
name is Hal Newburger, and this is my daughter Dena.”
Turkey
By Harold Newburger
Dena Newburger had just completed a year of study at Hebrew
University in Jerusalem. She planned to travel to Turkey with
a friend who changed her mind at the last minute. Instead,
Dena’s father Hal Newburger decided to accompany her on
the trip.
While sitting on a bench of a ferry in Turkey, Hal asked a
stranger sitting on the same bench if he would watch their personal items while he proceeded to take a picture of his daughter from a different spot. The man agreed. Upon their return,
the stranger said, “You certainly must be a very trusting soul
since I could have walked away with all your things.”
“I know,” the young man responded. “I once spent a week as a
guest in your home.”
In 1983, the Memphis Jewish Community Center hosted the
first North American Junior Macabbi Games; Dena’s mother
Ronna was president at that time. Hospitality was provided by
Memphians for hundreds of young teenagers from around the
world, including this young man from Israel.
“Beshert” and Mr. Samuels newest book, “Crossroads: Chance or
Destiny?” are available at Amazon.com, Iuniverse.com, Barnes and
Noble, Borders, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis Jewish Community
Center and at Temple Israel in Memphis.
Harry Samuels is a graduate of Washington University in St.
Louis, Missouri, and has devoted many years to volunteerism
in Memphis, Tennessee. He and his wife, Flora, have been married for 46 years and are the parents of Martin, William and
the late David Samuels. Proceeds from the sale of his books go
to charity.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
11
SENIOR LIVING
Alzheimer’s Services
Offer Care & Support
By Bob Bernstein
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most horrendous illnesses one
can get as they age and is now recognized as the fourth leading
cause of death for older adults.
The disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disease with no
known cause or cure. Although it can strike at any age, the disease primarily attacks older adults ie: population over 65 years
old and primarily those over 85 years old.
Alzheimer’s not only affects the “patient” but has an impact on
the entire family.
However, there are services and programs to assist not only
those afflicted with this illness but also to provide support, respite and other services for loved ones caring for those afflicted
with the disease.
For approximately seven years I have had the privilege of being
a member of the Alzheimer Day Services of Memphis (ADS)
board of directors. ADS operates two day services programs
in Memphis, Grashot Center in Kennedy Park and Dorothy’s
Place on Ridgeway and Knight Arnold Rd. It mission: “To help
persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders live their
lives with dignity and respect while providing relief to their caregivers and support for their families.”
ADS fulfils its mission statement by providing programs such as
music, art, socialization, crafts and other stimulating activities
to assist the participant in maintaining and continuing to do
as many life tasks as possible. Being active and participating in
stimulating activities helps “push back” many of the symptoms
one experiences with this illness.
Interior doors at Alzheimer Day
Services of Memphis offer a comforting setting
at the Jewish Family Service 901.767.8511 or me at
901.374.0707 to obtain a complete listing and schedules for
these support groups or to find a support group in your community.
One of the most popular resources available, however, is “knowledge about the disease.”
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the organizations
mentioned in this article operate free lending libraries with
books written by professionals, caregivers and others that impart information on enhancing the quality of life for those afflicted with the disease, as well as the caregiver.
The day services programs are usually open from 7 a.m. to 6
p.m. to offer flexibility and provide caregivers relief from their
difficult 24-hour-a-day task. These programs also help reduce
the very expensive costs associated with bringing in professional
caregivers.
Caregivers must remember “You are not alone,” take care of
yourself if you are to provide care for your loved one. Take advantage of all the myriad of services and programs your community has to offer.
Support groups are also important for those providing care for
loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Many organizations in Memphis provide these services including Alzheimer’s Day Services, Jewish Family Service and the
local Alzheimer Association. One can call “Senior Connection”
Bob Bernstein, a Master Level Licensed Social Worker, is one
of the best-known Geriatric Professionals in Shelby County.
Through his company, Geriatric Consultants, LLC, he works
with seniors and their families, assists agencies and organizations in developing senior adult services and programs and is a
consultant to many local hospitals and senior living facilities.
12 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
SCRAPBOOK
(Above) Karen Wener with Memphis Zoo
Wildlife on Wheels walks around with fur
exhibit.
(Left) Debra Saharovich and sons, Adam
and Daniel, planted flowers during Temple
Israel’s Mitzvah Day.
Family and friends of the late
Dottie Greenberg at Knitting
Room Tribute
Birthday Celebration and
Women’s Lunch Brunch
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
13
SCRAPBOOK
The Passover Picnic at Shelby
Farms Pavilion featured family
games, kite flying, softball and
world class matzo brei.
14 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
TEEN TALK :
UPDATE
TEEN TALK
Climb,Walk and Zip the Line
By Dana Agronov, Director Memphis BBYO
Twenty-eight Memphis BBYOers spent a thought-provoking and
physically challenging day at Memphis Bridge Builder’s leadership programming.
First, participants discussed their expectations of the program and
developed a Values Contract for each of themselves and the group.
Their criteria – working together as a
group, communication, open mindedness, respect for others and belief in
yourself.
Then it was time to hit the low ropes
course for a ‘Blind Climb’ on the
Climbing Wall. The teens worked in
pairs helping their blindfolded partner
navigate the wall.
After a few more low ropes initiatives, the participants met with Rabbi
Levi Klein for an interactive program on Jewish Leadership.They were
asked to define Jewish values, leadership and what makes a person a
Jewish leader.
They spent the afternoon navigating one of the most difficult high
ropes courses in the country. Hoisted 35 feet up by their teammates,
participants made their way through difficult tasks such as walking
across a four-inch beam, zip-lining across the course, climbing up
the incredibly difficult cargo net tunnel and “falling” twice during the
course. All with their fellow participants doing the belaying! (The practice of controlling the rope fed out to a climber).
“I felt a sense of accomplishment when a task was completed,” explained 10th grade River City BGG participant Emily Trotz. “Participating in the various ropes courses, activities and discussions, I now know
that I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. Whether I am scared
to death or extremely excited, I know that if I try, then I can do it.”
Participants – Okeon AZA: Jeremy Kahn, Jordan Saslawsky, David Ruben, Graham
Kochman, Nathan Evans, Dylan Levy, Ben Orgel, Logan Scheidt, Max Alpert and Evan
Kline. From Peres AZA: Sam Thomas, Luky Guigui, Ben Finan and Ryan Saharovich. From
Tikvah BBG: Debra Kaplan, Becca Lipscomb and Nora Parker. From River City BBG:
Jennifer Edelson, Cary Segal, Emily Trotz and Gabby Harkavy. From Kriger BBG: Libby
Skolnik, Sara Greenberg, Emily Greenberg, Maya Rabinovich and Rita Rabinovich.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
15
ON CAMPUS
MIRIAM’S CAFE
Doris Cassius, Tara Gordon, Nora Johnson, Lila, Ester, Elaine and
Alvin Gordon, Bert Bornblum & Yosef Friedan
Lynnie & Tova Mirvis
Harry & Flora Samuels
Food by Seth Feibelman & Chris Miller
Extreme Events Catering
Mark & Mary Freilich
Art Wolff, Beryl and Millie Malkin and Bert Wolff
Harriet, Louisa & Lawrence Beck
EISEMAN SEDER IN TEXAS
Brad Eiseman
leading Seder
16 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
Brad and Scott Eiseman hosted a Passover Seder at their
apartment for fellow University of Texas at Austin students.
ON CAMPUS
Sharing
Jewish Culture
By Debbie Ovadia , ISJL Education Fellow
Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, is full of young
adults who are excited to have the opportunity to learn about
themselves, be challenged
and explore things that
are unfamiliar to them.
Jewish Cultural Organization (JCO) at Millsaps
has provided the perfect
opportunity for Jewish
students to continue to
learn about Judaism and
celebrate their faith, while
sharing Jewish culture
with the rest of the school.
There are about dozen
self-identified Jewish students at the school, but
the organization contains
many more members who have are interested in learning
about Jewish life. The group’s faculty advisor, James E. Bowley, chair of religious studies, received his doctoral degree
from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.
He brings such a positive vibe to the group and really connects with the students. He has taken students to Israel for
touring and archaeology in addition to opening his home for
festive holiday celebrations.
The JCO has brought great Jewish cultural programming
to Millsaps’ students. There has been a variety of programming around holidays with everything from a Sukkah in the
middle of Campus to the simple Shabbat dinner. The Jewish
students at Millsaps are excited to share their Jewish culture
while other students love to actively participate and learn. At
Purim, students’ faces lit up at the opportunity to eat tasty
Hamentashen and pick up a mini Megillah containing the
Purim story.
The JCO has done more than just share Jewish culture with
the students of Millsaps but has brought great programming
to the larger community. Recently Millsaps College and the
JCO sponsored “Stand up for Peace,” an incredible program
that uses humor to promote a peaceful political dialogue of
the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Students and members of the
community of all ages and faiths came out for this hilari-
ous event presented by New York comedians Scott Blakeman
and Dean Obeidallah.
The two started this show as a
benefit for Seeds of Peace, a summer camp in Maine, that brought
together Israeli and Palestinian
teens to promote understanding.
During the performance, Scott,
a Jew, and Dean, a Palestinian
American, poked fun at their
own backgrounds; showing how
much they had in common while
growing up. The comedians promoted the idea of taking action
to support Middle East peace.
At a reception following the performance, attendees had the
opportunity to not only enjoy great food but to reflect on the
show and interact with the comedians.
The presence of the JCO and the Jewish Students at Millsaps
College has not only allowed for a positive impact on the
college but a positive impact on the community. Millsaps
College is the only college in the state of Mississippi with
an active Jewish student group associated with Hillel; and
the community in Jackson is thankful to have its presence.
Millsaps College truly appreciates diversity and the sharing
of culture that the Jewish Students at Millsaps have brought
with them.
Debbie Ovadia has been an Education Fellow for the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute
of Southern Jewish Life since 2005. Born and raised in Southern California, she enjoys
the beauty and heart of the Deep South. As an ISJL Education Fellow, she has the
opportunity to strengthen the Jewish identity of young people across the region. During
the 2006-2007 academic year, Debbie had the opportunity to work as a consultant for
the Jewish Cultural Organization at Millsaps College.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
17
SOUTHERN JEWISH HISTORY
St. Francisville
Louisiana’s
Freyhan School
By Anne Butler
An influx of Jewish immigrants arrived
in America in the mid-1800s escaping religious persecution in the Old Country,
and many of them followed the westward
movement of the cotton empire, their
mercantile skills proving invaluable in
the agrarian South.
One of these immigrants was Julius Freyhan of Germany, who arrived penniless
in Louisiana in 1851 and through shrewd
fiscal policies died one of the richest men
in the South. His extensive business interests included dry goods stores, cotton
gins, saloons and opera houses, cotton
mills and real estate along the Mississippi
River, first in the St. Francisville-Bayou
Sara area and later downriver in New Orleans. The historic museum in St. Francisville exhibits old crockery whiskey jugs
stenciled “J. Freyhan & Co. Handmade
Sour-Mash Bourbon,” some still sporting
corncob stoppers. Freyhan & Co. in a
single year often sold upwards of a million dollars worth of goods and handled
some 14,000 bales of cotton.
When Julius Freyhan died, his obituary in the New Orleans newspaper said,
“Through his energy and business acumen, he was able to build up one of the
largest supply houses in the states, and
during the hard times which swept over
the country at various periods, he was
able to keep the farmers on their feet until the price of their crops rose.” As hardworking immigrants like Julius Freyhan
prospered, the South became the center
of Jewish population in the country, and
18 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
Photos: Henry Cancienne
the Jews shared their prosperity in great
philanthropies, funding museums and
civic improvements, hospitals and public schools for both black and white students. Upon his death in 1904, Freyhan
left $8,000 to help build the first central
public school in St. Francisville, a legacy
increased by his widow by another thousand and in 1905 the eight-room slateroofed brick structure opened to great
public acclaim.
Photos: Ann Weller
of Freyhan Foundation
Imagine the horror, then, of the townsfolk when, on the evening of February
8, 1907, the magnificent new school
building caught on fire and burned to
the ground despite the best efforts of the
frantic local hose companies. Within a
year and with a generous contribution
from the Widow Freyhan, the school
would be rebuilt, on the same site and of
almost identical construction, spacious
classrooms resplendent with beaded
wainscoting and archways, divided stairways and patterned tin ceilings, and a
splendid third-floor auditorium; down
the hill toward the Mississippi River was
a football field and amphitheater used for
graduation exercises.
In the 1950s Freyhan School was replaced
with a modern structure and fell into disrepair. Now the non-profit Freyhan Foundation is raising funds to restore it as a
community cultural center and historical
museum with extensive exhibits relating
to the Freyhan family and the significant
contributions of the 19th-century Jewish
settlers in the area. When Julius Freyhan’s granddaughter Pauline Friedman
died recently in California, she left a generous bequest which has already resulted
in a new roof for the school building, but
much more is needed. Tax-deductible
donations can be sent to Julius Freyhan
Foundation, P.O. Box 338, St. Francisville, LA 70775; for additional information, telephone 225-635-6330.
Anne Butler is the author of
numerous articles and 14 books
including the Three Generous
Generations: the history of the
Freyhan Family. Since graduating
from Sweet Briar College in Virginia and receiving her master’s
degree from Humboldt State in
California, Anne has spent many
years recording Southern history.
SCRAPBOOK
At is annual meeting,
the Jewish Foundation of
Memphis launched
Create Your Jewish
Legacy, a 3-year deferred
giving initiative with a
goal of $25 million.
Diane Troderman of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation,
Create Your Jewish Legacy chairman, Nick Ringel.
Curt and Hedi Ward thanked by Laura Linder and
honored as members of the Foundation’s Legacy
Society for their generous endowment gift in
support of teen programming at Temple Israel.
Cara Greenstein and Rayna Exelbierd represented
the 130 members of B’nai Tzedek in thanking Diane
Troderman and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
for being instrumental in making teen philanthropy
an important part of the Jewish experience for kids
in Memphis and all around the country.
Max Notowitz and Steve McDaniel, members of
the Foundation’s Professional Advisory Group,
comprised of estate planning attorneys, accountants, financial planners and life insurance agents.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
19
FROM THE KITCHEN OF...
Seth Feibelman:
Father’s Day Treat
As a young child, I thought Father’s Day was created
based on the fifth commandment “Honor your father and
mother.” I never thought to seek the origin of the holiday
until recently. My research led me to conflicting theories
as to how the holiday began. I also learned that although
President Johnson declared it a national holiday in 1966,
Father’s Day was not officially the third Sunday of June
until 1972.
My father urged me to be creative with his gifts. I was
never fond of giving him a tie; and he is not much of a
golfer. One thing he loves though is to sleep in on Sundays.
As a child this gave me the perfect opportunity to pamper
him with breakfast in bed. I showed an interest in cooking
at a young age so my mother encouraged me to utilize
these skills as part of my Father’s Day gift.
The first step in preparing breakfast in bed is to design a
menu. My personal favorite was French toast with maple
syrup and chocolate milk. As a child I was not concerned
about calories; and after all it is a holiday.
One benefit to French toast is you can prepare it ahead
of time, put it in the freezer and reheat it before service.
This can be an invaluable time saver if your father is an
early riser.
the butter is melted and bubbling. Avoid overheating your
pan. Once the pan is too hot it will burn your butter and
provide an undesirable taste to your meal. Coat both sides
of bread in the batter and immediately place in the pan.
Sauté each side until golden brown (approximately 3-5
minutes).
Lay the French toast on a cookie sheet. Holding a strainer
above the cookie sheet, add the powdered sugar. Dust the
toast by giving the strainer a couple of taps. Using a spatula,
remove the toast from the pan and place on a plate. Add
maple syrup and garnish with berries.
The perfect accompaniment to breakfast for Father’s Day
is a handmade menu of the meal. You can make it using
construction paper, photos, crayons, etc. This is just another way to be creative for dad.
When serving breakfast in bed, if the recipient is sleeping
peacefully I urge you not to place the food on the bed
or try to nudge them awake. The best course of action
is to place the meal on a table nearby and allow dad to
discover the surprise. For even if dad oversleeps, a cold
breakfast beats maple syrup under the sheets.
The idea of this Father’s Day breakfast is to be creative. I
suggest cutting the bread into shapes with a cookie cutter.
This adds a nice “Wow” factor to your plate presentation.
Beat the remaining ingredients together until batter is consistent. Place a nonstick frying pan on the stove on medium heat. Add butter to the pan. The pan is ready once
INGREDIENTS:
8 slices of white bread
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. margarine or butter
1 Pinch powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Fresh berries (strawberries,
blueberries, blackberries)
20 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
Seth Feibelman lives in Memphis with his wife Sylwia and
their dog, Czarny. He is the food and beverage director for
Mud Island Riverpark as well as the General Manager for
Extreme Events Catering.
L’CHAYIM
Wine for
Summer Menus
By Gary Burhop
Wine and food pairings can be a last minute challenge. Here is my idea of what to
have on hand so that the only thing you
have to think about is ‘Can I get the white
wine chilled in time?’
Have these whites on hand…
CHARDONNAY can be from any country and moderately priced or expensive
depending on your budget. Chardonnay is
produced in two distinct styles, one with
little or no oak aging: the other style relies
on the use of more oak giving the wines a
richer, heavier, toasty butterscotch mouth
feel and flavor profile. Chardonnay works
well with creamy sauces, veal dishes and
light pasta.
SAUVIGNON BLANC is bright, crisp
and citrusy on its own. Blended with
Semillion, as the Bordelais do, the wine
takes on a rounder, softer style that makes
it a good match with grilled fish and roasted poultry.
PINOT GRIGIO or PINOT GRIS (the
same grape variety) is a perfect aperitif
wine. Consume a bottle on the patio or
by the pool, with snacks, dips, cheese and
crackers.
RIESLING is so overlooked in the Midsouth, despite being the ‘wine du jour’
of cooking shows and foodie magazines
for the past two years. Dry styles compliment delicate seafood, somewhat fruity
Rieslings match sushi, scallop and shrimp
dishes without tasting of iodine. Medium
dry to sweet Rieslings are the perfect foil
for spicy dishes from gumbo to Tex-Mex
to Asian.
or some wine is only Red…
BEAUJOLAIS can be a perfect wine for
summer. Made primarily from the Gamay
grape, Beaujolais is a lighter, fruity, but
not sweet, wine. Within the Beaujolais
are wines named for small villages such
as Morgon and Brouilly. These tend to be
more serious wines than the simple Beaujolais or Beaujolais Villages labeled wines.
These wines are perfect for grilled chicken
and salmon, roasted fowl and even beef
entrees like grilled flank steak or brisket.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON is always my
choice when I grill a steak. Having grown
up in cattle-country Nebraska, grilled beef
is popular at my house.
PINOT NOIR is another lighter bodied
red that when well done is a delight to
drink, vibrant with cherry and red fruit
flavors and nuances of the earth in which
the vines grew. A mature Red Burgundy
is a sensory treat, but lacking a cellar full,
you can enjoy new world ready-to-drink
Pinot Noirs with grilled or roasted lamb,
turkey, duck and other poultry dishes.
RHONE wines, be they Cotes du Rhone
or Cote du Ventoux bring a bit more body
and structure to a meal, being usually a
blend of grenache, gamay, syrah and possibly more. The ones we recommend offer good fruit but with a bit of spice on
the finish. These are pizza and hamburger
wines at the best.
CHIANTI or an abutting region like Montepulciano d’Abruzza produces likeable
wines that fit summer meals. The primary
grape of Chianti is Sangiovese. The simple
ones are just easy drinking glasses of fruit,
but Chianti Classico or even a Riserva,
take the wine to a new height. For pizza
or a quick spaghetti supper, the inexpensive Chianti or Montepulciano is perfect.
For dishes with fennel, tomatoes, sausage,
lamb, veal or beef, step up to the Classico
level at least.
Bon Appetit.
Gary Burhop is the owner of
Great Wines & Spirits located at
6150 Poplar Avenue in Regalia,
Memphis, Tenn. Great Wines &
Spirits carry a large and varied
selection of kosher wines.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
21
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE COMIC MICHAEL “ZIGGY” DANZIGER
If He’s Not Cracking Jokes, He’s Not the Rabbi’s Son!
speaking, performing and writing children’s
plays supplied Michael with key tools for a
stage comic.
Thirty-one-year-old Michael Elliott Danziger, son of Rabbi Harry and Jeanne Chaban Danziger of Memphis, is causing a stir
of laughs.
“I want to work on more Jewish-related
material with no lushin hurrah,” he says.
“When I was 4-years-old I would impersonate family and friends,” says Michael.
“My parents and brother made me think
I was funny.”
Comedy is a daily routine for Michael. His
full time job as affiliate broker for Malkin
Management & Investment Co., Inc. even
includes a brief case full of jokes.
Michael, aka “Ziggy,” a name he acquired at
camp that followed him back to Memphis,
was recently titled The Funniest Jew in the
Deep South in a New Orleans’ contest
sponsored by Dumishagas, a Jewish Mardi
Gras crew. He is also credited as The Funniest Person in Memphis, a title received
at the Tennessee Comedy Club last year.
A graduate of White Station High School
(WSHS), Michael was voted friendliest
and wittiest, served as class officer and
broadcast the morning announcements.
All of which influenced his creativity for
the stage, he attests. He continues to visit
WSHS by attending the annual Queen of
Clubs as guest judge. He is a graduate of
the University of Texas at Austin with a
Bachelor of Arts in communications.
“Public speaking paid off and certainly
plays a part in what I’m doing now,” says
Ziggy.
Ziggy is an honorary member of the
North American Federation of Temple
Youth (NFTY) and is Temple Israel’s youth
advisor. He has led birthright trips to Israel, coaches girls’ and boys’ basketball
teams, teaches music, sings and plays guitar in the Ruach group led by Rabbi Micah
Greenstein.
22 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
By Jennifer Lefkowitz
In February 2005, Ziggy performed on
stage at his first comedy show in Memphis with three other comic performers.
Michael “Ziggy” Danziger:
“People’s reactions when they
find out I’m a comedian…
they’re not sure.”
Before comedy and real estate, Ziggy
was assistant director of Henry S. Jacobs
Camp, in Utica, Mississippi, and youth and
family life director of Temple Israel. Public
“I was a part of the open mic night at Patty’s
Pub Stop 345, and I didn’t want to tell any
of my friends,” Ziggy says. “Right when I got
there, I wished I had told a lot of people.”
Ziggy described the performance as
“going very well.”
His comedy routine topics include family,
friends, media, news and extras.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Some things are off limits no matter what you do, and you have to
have a filter,” he explains. “I make jokes that everyone can identify
with; mannequins, dogs, toothpaste.”
He also does “W” humor. “We believe anything we see on TV,” he
says. “We believe George W. Bush can be president because we
see him on TV.”
Ziggy’s on-stage character has been compared to Jerry Seinfeld.
“I’m honored to be compared to him,” says Ziggy. “He is definitely
the clearest model for what I do; and it’s no accident getting familiar with him. I learned his stuff and loved the way he wrote. I love
his presentation and his writing is perfect.”
Ziggy often travels to New York for comedy appearances at clubs
and venues. He has performed at several well-known comedy
clubs including New York’s Gotham Comedy Club where his live
show appeared on “Comedy Central.”
Asked if he would like to star in his own sitcom, Ziggy said, “I’m
happy to let the comedy go as far as it can go, if I become the
next Seinfeld, fantastic. I’m not going to drop everything, it’s not my
career. It’s more than a hobby, too. But I’ve made the jump and I’m
happy. I don’t know how it all fits together, all these moments, but
it’s the greatest life ever.”
Website: Laughwithziggy.com
Jennifer Lefkowitz, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, graduated from the Academy of
Art University, Motion Pictures & Television, Screenwriting in San Francisco, CA in 2005.
Jennifer is partial to fairytales.
Hebrew Name: Micha.El.Aliaho
Jewish Tribe: Israelite
Hobbies: Guitar, piano, languages (currently learning Greek)
Music: Classic rock, top 40 songs, movie scores
Mentors: John Marks & Sammy Marten of Comedy
Tennessee (comedytn.com)
Influences: Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Eddie
Murphy, Ellen DeGeneres
Personal Quote: “I wish a camera were following me
around.”
UPCOMING SHOWS:
June 2, 2007, 8 p.m. - North American Federation of
Temple Brotherhoods Convention, Memphis, Tenn.
July 9, 2007, 8 p.m. - Institute for Southern Jewish Life
Education Conference, Philadelphia, MS
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
23
DOLLARS & SENSE: Sponsored Section
529 Plans: An Education Funding Option
Provided by Shep Fargotstein,V.P. Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc.
College costs have risen faster than the
rate of inflation. The cost of a four-year
college education in 2024 (1) is expected
to climb to $160,000 for a public institution and $345,000 for a private university.(2)
Given these figures, it may be prudent to
start saving as early as possible for higher
education costs.
There are several options for education
funding, but for the purposes of this article, we will only discuss one of those options – 529 Plans.
tion Plan of 2006 makes permanent
the federal tax exclusion for withdrawals from 529 Plans, if those withdrawals
are used for qualified higher education
expenses. Remember, however, that tax
laws are subject to change at any time.
These and other tax implications of a 529
Plan should be discussed with your legal
and/or tax advisors.(3)
It is also important to note that the tax
implications, as well as the investment
choices of 529 Plans may vary significantly
from state to state. You should carefully
consider these factors before establishing
and contributing to a 529 Plan. 529 Plans
are sold via Plan Description Documents,
which contain detailed information regarding the Plan, risks, charges and tax
treatment. You should read the Plan Description carefully before investing. (4)
529 PLANS
Named for section 529 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, 529 Plans are state
sponsored, tax-advantaged investment
programs that allow donors (parents,
grandparents, other relatives and friends)
to save for higher education costs for a
named beneficiary. The Pension Protec- There are two types of 529 Plans: 529
College Savings Plans
and 529 Prepaid Tuition Plans.
529 COLLEGE
SAVINGS PLAN
FEATURES
• Federal tax
advantage
529 College Savings
Plans are funded with
after-tax contributions
that have the opportunity to grow taxdeferred. Distributions
are received free from
federal taxes if used for
qualified higher educa-
tion expenses. Otherwise, the distribution
of earnings will be subject to a federal tax
penalty and treated as ordinary income
for tax purposes.
• State tax considerations
Since 529 College Savings Plans are statesponsored, some may provide state income tax advantages for the residents
or taxpayers of that state. These benefits
may include tax deductions for contributions to the plan and/or exemptions from
state tax for qualified higher education
distributions. Please consult with a tax advisor regarding the state tax implications
of the specific plan.
• Almost anyone can establish
a 529 College Savings Plan
Parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles,
aunts, friends or colleagues can establish
529 College Savings Plans for the benefit of others or themselves. There are
no income limitations or age restrictions
regarding who can open an account. In
addition to accepting all instate investors, most 529 College Savings plans accept out-of-state investors as well. Please
note that funds must be used for qualified
higher education expenses or they may
be subject to a penalty and treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.
• Substantial contributions
allowed
Annual contribution amounts vary by
state, though a donor may contribute up
to $60,000 per beneficiary in the first
year of a five-year period ($120,000 for
married couples filing jointly). (5)
1 The year in which most of today’s newborns are expected to enter college.
2 Trends in College Pricing, The College Board, 2006
3 Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor any of its employees provide legal or tax advice.
4 This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a detailed or complete discussion of 529 Plans.
Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor any of its employees provide legal or tax advice. The tax implications of
529 Plans should be discussed with your legal and/or tax advisors. The information in this article should not be
relied upon as investment advice, and does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation to purchase or sell
any specific security.
5 The $60,000/$120,000 contribution is, in effect, treated as five separate $12,000/$24,000 annual exclusion gifts
(one for the current year and then one in each of the next four years). No federal gift tax will result as long as
you make no other gifts to the beneficiary in the same five-year period. As always, future legislation may change
or affect the tax treatment of 529 Plans. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your personal situation.
24 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
DOLLARS & SENSE
• Designate — and change —
account beneficiaries
A donor can set up a 529 College Savings
Plan for just about anyone and maintain
control of the funds, allowing for a change
of the beneficiary. The new beneficiary,
however, must be a close family relative of the original beneficiary, otherwise
there may be adverse tax consequences.
Beneficiary changes may be limited to
one per year.
• Choice of investment options
Select from among several investment
options offered by the state’s plan, which
may include portfolios consisting of a variety of mutual funds. Changes in investments, while permitted, are generally limited to one per year.
• Flexible rollovers
One tax-free transfer or rollover of benefits from one 529 College Savings Plan
to another for the same beneficiary may
be allowed during a 12-month period.
The rollover must be completed within
60 days of the withdrawal.
529 PREPAID TUITION PLANS
A state’s 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan generally allows donors to fund future education
expenses—tuition and, in some instances,
room and board—at specific in-state
(typically public) colleges at current rates,
which provides protection against rising
higher education costs. Some plans provide additional benefits for state residents,
and funding options range from one-time
lump-sum contributions to monthly installment payments.
TALK TO YOUR FINANCIAL
ADVISOR Your Financial Advisor
should be able to provide you with more
information about 529 Plans, as well as
other education funding options, and help
you evaluate the choices from the perspective of your overall investment goals,
risk tolerance and time horizon.
Shep Fargotstein is a financial
advisor with UBS Financial Services Inc., in the Memphis branch at
1717 West Massey Road, Memphis,
TN 38120. To reach him directly
please call 901.415.3040, toll free
800-232-7954.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
25
ON THE SIDELINES
Nike Hoops International Team’s
Omri Caspi
At first glance Israeli power forward Omri Caspi looks like a
mild-mannered basketball player. But as a player for Maccabi Tel
Aviv, Hapoel Galil Elyon-Golan or this year’s Nike Hoops International Team, Caspi can, at times, turn into the Incredible Hulk.
No, he doesn’t change color; but
his passion and outright emotion
can dictate the flow of a game.
The 6-foot 8-inch 220-pound Israeli provided a second-quarter
spark for the International Team
in a recent exhibition at FedExForum. With less than five minutes
left in the second quarter and his
team down by 27 points his play
helped narrow the gap.
His burst of energy included two
successive dunks and a follow up
steal. His quickness and ability to
read defenses led to a reversed
dunk and some needed momentum for a squad that opened
slowly and never could catch up.
But the American side of the Nike
Hoop Summit, which included
Tiger recruit Derrick Rose and
a host of other top high school athletes, were never seriously
challenged in the 100-80 rout. Caspi finished with 14 points;
but the American team proved too athletic for the international
squad.
“It was a big surprise for me and my parents when they told me
that I earned a spot on the NIKE team,” said Caspi. “We were
quite delighted. I’m the first Israeli to ever make the team; and
it’s a big honor. I thank my Israeli team for releasing me.”
That team would be Hapoel Galil Elyon-Golan, who in turn received Caspi on loan from Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
“Maccabi is the best club in Europe,” he said.
If his presence was missed, it was early this year. Without their
main scorer, Maccabi (winners of 14 straight games) dropped
the contest to Hapoel Galil Elyon-Golan when Caspi scored
26 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
By Mark Hayden
17 points, five rebounds and three assists. In addition, Maccabi
failed to reach the final 4 of the Euroleague Season this year for
the first time in three years.
Caspi returns to Team Maccabi next year where he’ll play until
2010.
“Everybody in Israel knows Maccabi,”
said Caspi. “The players on the team
are famous – almost like celebrities.”
They share celebrity status these days
with tennis star Shahar Peer. “She’s a
big name in Israel,” he said. “Yeah, she’s
a great tennis player.”
Like Peer, Caspi is also part of the
Israeli army which allows athletes to
complete their duty around their
sports careers.
“I’m a soldier right now,” explained
Caspi. “I’ve been in the army for a
year and completed my basic training
in four weeks.” His brother, Eitan has
already finished his stint, while his 14year-old sister and tennis player, Aviv, is
a few years from duty.
As far as his plans as a possible future player in the NBA, he lets
others speculate on that.
“Players all over the world want to play for the NBA, and obviously that’s my goal,” said Caspi. “But I’m 18; and it’s so far in the
future that the only thing I’m thinking about now is how I can
continue to improve and be aggressive in my play.”
While Caspi has enjoyed traveling in the United States visiting
cities including Memphis, Washington D.C., San Francisco and
Las Vegas, if he is not called to the NBA, he’s more than content
to stay in Israel.
“It’s beautiful,” he said about his home.
“Yeah, I’m lucky.”
Mark Hayden has been writing about Memphis sports for a variety of magazines for more than 10 years. He works at HYC Logistics. For story ideas please contact Mark at marktn58@aol.com.
SCRAPBOOK
Parker Mantell at
MJHS Passover Seder
Dr. David Patterson of Bornblum Judaic Studies at the University
of Memphis came to speak to students about the Holocoust
Ann Indingaro leads math class while Logan Belz and Jessica
Rubin listen
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
27
WATCHOUT! : IN THE MEDIA
Sarah Silverman, Andy Samberg, Seth Meyers
By Jennifer Lefkowitz - JenniferLefkowitz.com
Def.: To “Laugh out Loud”, also “Lots of Laughs”
Example: Yitzi LOL(ed) at Aliza in the library… until Aliza saw revenge.
SARAH SILVERMAN
Comedy Central’s “The Sarah Silverman Program” stars Sarah
Silverman, a girl with an entourage of friends (including her real-life
sister Laura Silverman) who find themselves in unique, awkward, and
forthright humorous situations. An array of funky random scripted
stories and songs is The Sarah Silverman Program. (Ouy)
Photo courtesy of Comedy Central
These kids arenʼt goyim; Sarah Silverman, Andy Samberg, and Seth Meyers are
making LOLʼs everywhere – and I think you should know.
ANDY SAMBERG &
SETH MEYERS
Above: Saturday Night Live host
Scarlett Johansson (l) tries to
cheer up “American Idol” cast-off
Sanjaya Malakar (Andy Samberg)
by inviting him to sing with her
during her monologue -- NBC
Universal Photo: Dana Edelson
Right: “Weekend Update” coanchors Amy Poehler and Seth
Meyers -- NBC Universal Photo:
Dana Edelson
28 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
SNL’s Andy Samberg and Seth Meyers are
tearing up the club. The curly headed one,
Samberg, is currently in his second season
on SNL, while Meyers is in his sixth, not to
mention his second season as head writer
on the show and first season as co-anchor
of “Weekend Update.” Meyers recently completed filming “Journey
3D” and “Spring Breakdown.” (Stay
tuned for more Meyers.) Samberg
is partly accountable for the innovative series of “SNL Digital Shorts”
during the past season. Coming
soon: Andy Samberg in his upcoming feature film debut “Hot Rod.”
(Oh, Samberg.)
Iris
&Orchids
Jamie Kirkell
Garvin
Gardens
Hot Springs,
Arkansas
JUNE 3- JUNE 30
Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration at BSSS
Science
(Left) Mrs. Gish teaches the
parts of a sheep kidney to
Rebecca McAlexander and
Ruth Shaffer.
Technology Classes
(Below) Elliot Slovis in the
afterschool technology
enrichment class, Video
Game Design Technology.
Seventh grade girls forming the Star of David (Magen David )
Marching with Israeli flags
Seventh grade girls perform Israeli dance during
Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremony.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
29
EYE ON ARKANSAS
A World of Discovery
By Shoshana Yaffe
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Museum of Discovery
Travel to Mexico in Passport to the
World, 305 animals and insects and
dozens of hands-on, interactive exhibits.
Find that and more at the Arkansas Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary, the museum is the oldest in Little Rock. Established as the Museum of Natural History
and Antiquities in the late 90s, it evolved
into a technology and science museum,
eventually merging with a children’s museum to become what it is today.
In 2004, Nan Selz
was hired as its executive director. She first
became familiar with
the private, non-profit,
award-winning museum through numerous
visits with her grandson.
“I have many wonderful memories here,”
says Selz.
A graduate of Little Rock’s historic Central High School, Selz received a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College in New
York and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Selz is married with two sons and two
grandsons, and has a background in
nonprofit management. Raised in Little
Rock, she and five generations of her
family have been members of Temple
B’nai Israel.
“I’ve always felt that my career in nonprofit management resulted, in part,
30 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
from my religious and family upbringing, which emphasized the importance
of tzedakah,” says Selz.
Selz is the museum’s head administrator
and fundraiser. “I’ve learned a lot about
running a museum,” says Selz. “But the
staff members are experts! They’re very
creative and help develop new ideas.”
There are 15 full-time employees and 15
part-time, along with volunteers.
“My favorite exhibit is the Great Electric
Show,” says Selz. “It was built in-house
and explains energy concepts in a simple
way.” The exhibit demonstrates how
different energy sources are generated
– from hydroelectric, to gas, wind and
solar. (The museum even has solar roof
panels.)
The museum runs a summer camp;
kids can sign up for a week or the entire
summer. There’s computer camp, animal, Native American and more. In Go
Green camp, kids learn how to live more
energy efficiently.
With the museum’s overnight program,
students have an opportunity to spend
the night. Schools from Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas and Oklahoma have participated.
And the museum created “Race for Planet
X,” an interactive, hands-on mobile science
exhibit. It travels to rural Arkansas towns,
giving sixth-graders, who may not be able
to experience science and technology exhibits, the opportunity to do just that.
Thanks to a grant from the Donald W.
Reynolds Foundation, over the next
five years the Museum of Discovery will
share an allocation of $7.34 million with
six other Arkansas museums.
During the next few years, the museum will undergo major improvements.
There are 25,000 square feet of exhibit
space, with the goal of redeveloping
around 15,000. New exhibits will be
brought in and some existing ones will
be made over. Coming in September is
a new exhibit, Room to Grow, for preliterate kids.
The museum’s gift shop, The Explore
Store is 100% educational. “It’s the only
one of its kind in Little Rock,” says a
proud Selz.
The Museum of Discovery is a place for
people of all ages; kids, teachers, parents
and grandparents, to come and enjoy,
learn, experience and grow.
For information on the Museum of Discovery, check out their Web site;
www.amod.org or call 501.396.7050.
Shoshana Yaffe was born and
raised in Memphis, graduated
from White Station High School
in 1998 and from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2002
with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Hebrew
and Jewish Studies. She studied
abroad in Israel for a semester at Hebrew University
of Jerusalem. She is news writer/producer for the ABC
Affiliate News Station, WSB TV in Atlanta.
SCRAPBOOK
The annual community-wide Yom Ha’atzmaut service
and celebration co-sponsored by the Anshei Sphard
Beth El Emeth and Baron Hirsch Congregations, with
help from Bat Ami Young Women from MHA/FYOS and
Kollel Torah Mitzion drew more than 300 people.
ASBEE/NCSY Shlichot Hila wrote, produced, directed
and choreographed a poignant play for Yom Hazikaron,
and Maayan choreographed an impressive Flag Dance in
honor of Israel’s 59th birthday.
Children’s Choir directed by Baron Hirsch
Cantor Ricky Kampf and Anshei Sphard Beth El
Emeth Cantor Aryeh Samberg.
ASBEE
Shulamit Schlesinger enjoys the Yom Ha’atzmaut
celebration with grandson Ariav Schlesinger. Mrs.
Schlesinger was a sergeant in the Haganah and
fought in Israel’s War of Independence.
Flag Dance
More Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations
At a moving Yom HaShoah assembly, Interim Dean Shelley Kutliroff
watches as Brooke and Rachel Winestone light candles in memory of
their family members who died in the Holocaust. Their grandfather, Ted
Winestone, is a survivor and was present at the ceremony.
Mrs. Lidiya Botvinnik enjoys Yom Ha’atzmaut procession with Cooper
Yeshiva High School for Boys Jacob Bacaner, Kyle Delmoor, Nate
Chertok and Mendel Lazaros at Memphis Jewish Home.
Seth Goldstein races down the Baron Hirsch driveway at the end of the parade.
At Baron Hirsch, the students cooled down with flavored ices then went inside
for some words of inspiration from Rabbi Finkelstein, Mincha services and a lot
of dancing.
Annual Yom Ha’atzmaut parade from MHA/FYOS to Baron Hirsch Synagogue.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
31
AGENCY / ADVERTISER LISTING
AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, SYNAGOGUES
Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth
Congregation (ASBEE), 120 East
Yates Rd. North, Memphis, TN,
38120, 901.682.1611
Baron Hirsch Synagogue,
400 S. Yates, Memphis, TN, 38120,
901.683.7485
Beth Sholom Synagogue,
6675 Humphreys Blvd., Memphis,
TN, 38120, 901.683.3591
Bornblum Judaic Studies,
301 Mitchell Hall, University of
Memphis, Memphis, TN, 38152
901.678.2919
Bornblum Solomon
Schechter School, 6641
Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN,
38120, 901.747.2665
Chabad Lubavitch of Tennessee,
6629 Massey Ln., Memphis, TN,
38120, 901.766.1800
Congregation Agudath Achim,
7901 West 5th St., Little Rock,
AR, 72205, 501.225.1683
Congregation Beth Israel,
5315 Old Canton Rd., Jackson,
MS, 39211, 601.956.6215
Congregation B’nai Israel,
3700 N. Rodney Parham Rd.,
Little Rock, AR, 72212
501.225.9700
Congregation Etz Chaim,
P.O. Box 477, Bentonville, AR,
72712, 474.464.8001
Goldring/Woldenberg Institute
of Southern Jewish Life,
PO Box 16528, Jackson, MS,
39236, 601.362.6357
Hadassah Memphis Chapter,
422 Miracle Pt., Memphis, TN,
38120, 901.683.0727
Margolin Hebrew Academy/
Feinstone Yeshiva of the South,
390 S. White Station Rd.,
Memphis, TN, 38117,
901.682.2409
Memphis Jewish Community
Center, 6560 Poplar Ave.,
Memphis, TN, 38138,
901.761.0810
ADVERTISERS
AAA Termite & Pest Control
page 29
901.737.7378
Belmont Village
page 11
901.624.8820
BuzzOff Mosquito
page 25
901.685.0900
Memphis Jewish Federation,
6560 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN,
38138, 901.767.7100
Carol Buchman
page 27
901.237.0237
Memphis Jewish High School,
1203 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place
Ctr., Suite 203, Memphis, TN,
38119, 901.767.4818
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
page 10
901.761.1708
Memphis Jewish Home,
36 Bazeberry, Cordova, TN,
38018, 901.758.0036
Carriage Court
page 19
901.763.3232
Plough Towers,
6580 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN,
38138, 901.767.1910
Certa Pro Painters
page 27
901.384.7020
TEAM (Torah Education
Association of Memphis)
5350 Poplar Ave. Suite 550,
Memphis, TN, 38119
901.685.8322
Comfort Keepers
page 13
901.752.1515
Temple B’nai Israel,
1301 Marshall St., Tupelo, MS,
38802, 662.842.9169
Temple Israel,
1376 East Massey Rd., Memphis,
TN, 38120, 901.761.3130
URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp,
Utica, MS, 601.885.6042, Serving
Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Western Tennessee
Young Israel,
531 S. Yates, Memphis, TN, 38120,
901.761.2352
Hebrew Union Congregation,
504 Main St., Greenville, MS,
38701, 662.332.4153
Hillel of Memphis,
3581 Midland, Memphis, TN,
38111, 901.452.2453
Jewish Family Service,
6560 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN,
38138, 901.767.8511
Jewish Foundation of Memphis,
5118 Park Ave. #308, Memphis,
TN, 38117, 901.374.0400
32 Jewish Living of the South I June 2007
Conroy Studios
page 3
901.624.6535
Crye-Leike Property
Management
page 9
Barry Less, 901.758.5678,
901.461.0046 cell
Designer Baths & Kitchens
page 8
901.756.6217
Ed Wiener, DDS
page 23
901.756.1151
Edible Arrangements
page 15
901.624.1200
Harkavy,Shainberg
Kaplan & Dunstan PLC
inside front cover
901.761.1263
Henry Turley Realtors
page 14
Jason Durston, 901.596.3027
Kirby Pines
page 25
901.369.7340
Kitchen Solutions
page 5
901.624.5331
Leco Realty, Inc.
page 23
901.272.9028
Lexus of Memphis
page 1
901.362.8833
Loni’s Fashions
page 15
901.850.3380
RE/MAX at Mallard Creek
page 7
Melissa Hayes
Mack Andrews Builder
901.372.9933
Sancor
page 7
901.388.3100, 800.825.6369
Scan Interiors
page 3
901.266.8000
Stanford Financial Group
back cover
901.537.1600
The Tower Room
page 6
901.767.8776
Firehouse Subs
page 14
901.755.8633
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
page 24
Shep Fargotstein
901.415.3040
First Class Linens
page 9
901.969.0121, 601.899.9206
888.619.9482
VistaCare Health Services, Inc.
page 13
901.373.8831
Gastrointestinal Specialists, PC
page 19
901.761.3900
The Wormser Firm
page 8
901.767.0265
Great Wines & Spirits
page 22
901.682.1333
J UNE 2007
Weekly Meetings & Events
MONDAYS
NOON Beth Sholom, Mphs. Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Rubenstein.
Bring dairy lunch. Drink, dessert provided.
NOON T.E.A.M., Mphs. Women’s lunch and learn. Call up to an hour before
to reserve lunch, 901.685.8322.
WEDNESDAYS
9 a.m. June 13, 20, 27 Temple Israel, Mphs. WRJ Adopt-a-School
program with children of Colonial School “Vision Camp.”
1:00 p.m. Temple Israel, Mphs. Women’s Minyan with Rabbi Tara Feldman.
8:00 p.m. Beth Sholom, Mphs. Limmud Study, Rabbi Rubinstein, The Torah
of Relationships.
SECOND WEDNESDAYS
NOON Temple Israel, Mphs. Book Club Eileen Wishnia, 901.685 9820.
THURSDAYS
9:15 a.m. Infants, Temple Israel, Mphs. Mommy (and Daddy) & Me.
10:30 a.m. Toddlers, Temple Israel, Mphs. Mommy (and Daddy) & Me.
NOON T.E.A.M., Mphs. Men’s Lunch and learn with Rabbi Avi Mammon.
Call up to an hour before to reserve lunch, 901.685.8322.
1:30 p.m. Temple Israel, Mphs. Mother Bear Project. Knit bears for African
children with HIV/AIDS.
8:00 p.m. Exclusive Telecast of Rabbi Frand on the portion of the week,
ASBEE, Mphs.
FRIDAYS
6:15 p.m. Beth Israel, Jackson, MS. Shabbat Services.
SATURDAYS
8:45 a.m. Temple Israel, Mphs. Torah Study.
Coming Attractions
JUNE 1
5:30 p.m. Beth Sholom, Mphs. Tot Shabbat Service
and Dinner, preschool and elementary children and
family. RSVP 901.683.3591.
6 p.m. Beth Sholom, Mphs. Dinner, Installation and
Friday Night Service RSVP 901.683.3591.
JUNE 2
8:30 a.m. Services, 11 a.m. classes, Baron Hirsch,
Mphs. Synaplex Shabbat Focusing on Torah.
1:00 p.m. Temple Israel, Mphs. Women’s Minyan with
Rabbi Tara Feldman.
JUNE 5
NOON Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Joel Finkelstein
at the office of Sam Chafetz • Baker Donelson,
165 Madison Ave. 21 floor, Memphis, TN. RSVP
901.577.2367.
JUNE 12
1 p.m. Baron Hirsch Knitting Group, Hanover Library,
Mphs. All welcome – for good cause.
JUNE 20
Noon Baron Hirsch, Kol Rena So-Shuls open
to all seniors. $3 per person includes lunch and
entertainment. RSVP 901.683.7485.
JUNE 26
1 p.m. Baron Hirsch Knitting Group, Hanover Library.
All welcome to knit for good cause.
9 a.m. Beth Israel, Jackson, MS. Services
JULY 15-18
10:15 a.m. Talmud study, Beth Israel, Jackson, MS.
Hadassah National Convention, New York City.
4:30 p.m. Open Mic, Rabbi Levi Klein, Everything You Always Wanted to
Know About... Home of Dina and Sharon Knafo, 6693 Massey Lane, Mphs.
Chabad.
JULY 27
An hour and a half before sundown ASBEE. Mphs. Portion-of-theweek class and Dovid Menachem Brown Talmud Class.
9:30 p.m. ASBEE, Mphs. Rabbi Yisroel Reisman on Jewish thought.
Northwest Arkansas Summer Scout Celebration, The
Tzofim Friendship Caravan, as details become available
they will be posted on the Congregation Etz Chaim
Web site, www.etzchaimnwa.org or contact Etz Chaim
at 479.464.8001.
SUNDAYS
8:30 a.m. Chabad Lubavitch, Mphs. Bagels, Lox & Tefillin. Tefillin with minyan,
breakfast, “Living Torah” video presentation, Torah discussion.
SEPTEMBER 24
10 a.m. Beth Sholom, Mphs. Cantor Julian, hot topics and speakers.
Free, open to public.
NOVEMBER 9-11
11:00 a.m. Beth Sholom, Mphs. Artful Torah. Paintings of Bible stories/Biblical
themes from Chagall, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, etc.
Memphis Jewish Home Annual Golf Tournament
Temple B’nai Israel, Tupelo, MS. 50th Anniversary
Rededication, Marilyn Cohen, 662.869.5893.
June 2007 I Jewish Living of the South
33